Presented by The Raptor Center in partnership with the Bell Museum

The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota, in partnership with the Bell Museum, will host a free and public lecture featuring conservation biologist Thor Hanson, Ph.D., as part of The Raptor Center’s 2013 Duke Lecture series on Thursday, October 10 at 5 p.m.

The event will be held at the Bell Museum, 10 Church St. S.E., Minneapolis, Minn.

Hanson will fly in from the Pacific Northwest to discuss his global research and conservation efforts ranging from study of Central American songbirds to the feeding habits of African vultures. Hanson – author of the book Feathers: The Evolution of a Natural Miracle – often works at the interface between natural and human systems, and is currently involved in a project assessing the ecological impacts of warfare. The evening’s discussion will center on the natural history of feathers and their role in protecting, attracting, adorning and assisting in avian flight. A book signing will take place following the event.

The Duke Lecture Series was started in 2006 by the lifelong friends of Gary Duke, Ph.D., co-founder of The Raptor Center: William H. Holleman, Ph.D., and Mary E. Holleman. The Hollemans’ gift to establish a lectureship endowment fund pays tribute to Duke’s work and legacy at the University of Minnesota and The Raptor Center. The annual lecture hosted by The Raptor Center features speakers on pertinent avian topics including avian medicine and avian conservation.